Los Altos homeowners, landlords, property managers, and business owners have one number to call when their heating or cooling stops working. CLAP Plumbing Heating & Cooling has been the trusted local choice for HVAC service across Los Altos and Santa Clara County since 2004. We handle everything from a quick AC repair to a full system replacement, and we do it with transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any HVAC job.
We answer the phone. We dispatch the technician. We keep it simple.
Call (650) 955-4592 for a quote on any heating or cooling job.
Your home deserves heating and cooling that runs right, and so does your commercial property. We cover the full range of HVAC work, from diagnosing a system that stopped overnight to installing new equipment from the ground up. We know schedules matter, so same-day availability is part of how we operate. When you call, we show up on time and ready to work.
Whether your AC is blowing warm air, your furnace is making a noise it should not be making, or you just want a seasonal tune-up before the weather shifts, we have the technicians and the equipment to handle it. Call us and we'll walk you through your options.
When your air conditioner stops keeping up, the problem could be a refrigerant leak, a frozen evaporator coil, short cycling, or a failing compressor. We diagnose the root cause rather than guessing, then give you a clear picture of what the repair involves. Condenser cleaning, evaporator coil service, and refrigerant diagnosis are all part of what we do. Same-day AC repair is available when you need it fast.
A no-heat call in the middle of a cold snap is stressful. We respond quickly to gas furnace repairs, furnace inspections, and emergency heating calls throughout the area. We also handle routine furnace tune-ups and maintenance visits that catch small problems before they become expensive ones. Same-day furnace repair is available for urgent situations.
Heat pumps handle both heating and cooling, which means a problem with one affects comfort in every season. We troubleshoot heat pumps that are not heating, not cooling, cycling too often, or delivering uneven temperatures from room to room. Tune-ups and maintenance visits keep the system running efficiently year-round. Same-day heat pump repair is available when the system goes down.
When a system has reached the end of its useful life, replacement is often the smarter investment. We install new central air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, and complete HVAC systems. Every installation is handled by qualified HVAC technicians, and we deliver code-compliant HVAC work on every job, no shortcuts.
A smart thermostat gives you real control over your comfort and your energy use. We install programmable thermostats, Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostats, and zoning controls that let different areas of your home or building run at different temperatures. If your current thermostat is not responding or reading temperatures correctly, we can diagnose and replace it the same day in most cases.
Leaking ducts quietly waste energy and push your equipment harder than it needs to work. We inspect, repair, and seal ductwork throughout Los Altos and the surrounding area. Properly sealed ducts improve airflow, balance temperatures across rooms, and lower monthly utility costs. If your ductwork needs full replacement, we handle that too.
A spring or fall tune-up is the simplest thing you can do to extend the life of your HVAC equipment. We check refrigerant levels, clean coils, test controls, replace filters, and make sure everything is running within spec before the heavy-use season begins. Annual maintenance also keeps manufacturer warranties intact and reduces the chance of an emergency call at the worst possible time.
We built this business around HVAC work like this, and the Bay Area's climate shapes which jobs come up most often. Mild marine air means many homes in Los Altos were built without central air conditioning. Wildfire season brings real air-quality concerns that standard filters are not designed to handle. And California's energy direction is pushing more homeowners and landlords toward heat pump systems. These three services reflect what customers in this area actually need. One call brings a technician to your door.
California has historically had some of the lowest central air conditioning adoption rates in the country, and many Los Altos homes reflect that. They were built for mild weather and simply never had ductwork installed. After several years of record heat events, that calculation has changed for a lot of households.
Ductless mini-split systems are the practical answer for homes without existing ductwork. A mini-split delivers efficient, zoned cooling and heating through a compact wall-mounted air handler connected to an outdoor unit, with no duct runs required. We size the system to the space, handle the full installation, and make sure the work meets code. If your home has existing ductwork, we can evaluate a central AC installation as well.
Wildfire smoke has become a predictable seasonal concern across the Bay Area and much of Northern California. Standard HVAC filters are not rated to capture the fine particulates that make wildfire smoke harmful to breathe indoors.
We upgrade existing systems to handle MERV-13 or higher filtration, and we install whole-home air filtration systems, air scrubbers, and UV air purifiers that work with your existing HVAC equipment. The result is cleaner indoor air during smoke events and improved air quality year-round. If your current system cannot accommodate a higher-rated filter without restricting airflow, we will tell you that honestly and explain your options.
California's energy policy and utility incentive programs have made heat pump installation one of the most requested upgrades we handle. A heat pump replaces a separate furnace and air conditioner with a single system that handles both heating and cooling efficiently.
For Los Altos, where winters are mild and rarely extreme, a heat pump is a strong fit. The system does not need to work hard to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures through most of the year. We install and replace heat pumps for residential and commercial customers, and we can walk you through how the equipment performs in this specific climate so you can make an informed decision.
Getting your comfort problem handled starts with a quick call. We work with property managers, office building owners, retail operators, and restaurant owners throughout Los Altos and Santa Clara County. Commercial HVAC systems run harder and longer than residential equipment, and when they go down, it affects your customers, your tenants, and your staff.
We handle commercial AC repair, commercial heating repair, commercial furnace repair, commercial heat pump repair, and full commercial HVAC installation and replacement. We provide clear estimates before work begins, and we deliver code-compliant HVAC work on every job. We'll get your comfort back on track.
Air quality inside a home or building is not always visible, but it affects how people feel every day. We install whole-home air purifiers, air scrubbers, and advanced filtration systems that work with your existing HVAC equipment to reduce particulates, allergens, and airborne contaminants.
During dry seasons, indoor humidity can drop enough to cause discomfort and affect wood floors and furnishings. We install whole-home humidifiers that integrate with your HVAC system to maintain a comfortable humidity level without separate portable units.
Wildfire smoke events make indoor air filtration more than a comfort upgrade in this region. It is a practical health measure. We protect your floors and finishes while we work, and we leave the space clean when the job is done. Give us a call and we'll get the comfort back.
When the heat goes out on a cold night or the AC fails during a heat wave, you need a technician today, not next week. We offer emergency HVAC service and same-day availability for situations that cannot wait. No heat, no cool, a system making an unusual noise, or an HVAC unit that simply stopped working are all calls we take seriously.
We respond to weekend calls and urgent situations throughout Los Altos and the surrounding area. Our technicians arrive with the tools and parts to diagnose and, in most cases, repair on the first visit.
Not the biggest outfit in town. Just the most reliable. Always on time.
Call (650) 955-4592 for same-day service.
We live and work in this community, and our work shows it. Since 2004, we have been showing up for Los Altos homeowners, landlords, and businesses when their heating and cooling systems needed attention. That is 22 years of local HVAC work, built on repeat customers and referrals from neighbors who trust us with their homes.
Our technicians are experienced HVAC professionals. The work is performed by qualified HVAC technicians who take the job seriously, treat your property with respect, and explain what they find before they start any repair or installation.
We are personally accountable for every job we take on. When something needs to be done right, we make sure it is. We'll get your comfort back on track.
HVAC pricing should never be a surprise. Before any repair or installation begins, we give you a clear estimate so you know what the work costs and why. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any HVAC job is how we operate, whether the call is for an AC repair, a furnace repair, a heat pump installation, or a ductless mini-split installation.
We charge a diagnostic fee for service calls, which goes toward understanding exactly what the system needs. You will not receive a vague number over the phone and a different number on the invoice. If you want to know what a repair or new installation might cost before scheduling, call us and we will give you honest information based on your situation. One call brings a technician to your door.
Los Altos is our primary service area, and we know the neighborhoods well. We also serve customers throughout Santa Clara County, including Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Los Altos Hills, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and Campbell.
If you are searching for an HVAC contractor near you, a local AC repair company, or a heating and cooling contractor you can actually reach by phone, we are the team to call. We are a local HVAC company that has been serving this part of California for more than two decades, and we are ready to help with whatever your system needs.
Los Altos is our primary service area, and we work throughout Santa Clara County on a regular basis. We serve Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Palo Alto, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Santa Clara, and Saratoga, among other nearby communities. If you are in the area and need heating or cooling service, call (650) 955-4592 and we can confirm coverage for your address.
It helps to know the type of system you have, roughly how old it is, and a brief description of what it is doing or not doing. If you have the brand name or model number handy, that can speed things up, but it is not required before we can schedule. The more detail you share when you call, the better we can prepare the technician for the visit.
If your system has stopped producing heat or cool air entirely, is short cycling, making banging or grinding noises, or is blowing air that smells like burning, those are signs to call the same day. Weak airflow from the vents or warm air coming out when the AC is running can indicate a refrigerant or airflow problem that will not improve on its own. We offer same-day service for situations that cannot wait.
Check your thermostat settings first and make sure the system is set to the correct mode and temperature. If the settings look right and the system is still not responding, call us at (650) 955-4592. We offer same-day availability for no-heat and no-cool situations, and we will get a technician to you as quickly as possible.
Yes. We serve homeowners, landlords, property managers, and commercial clients throughout the Los Altos area. Commercial systems run harder and have different scheduling needs, and we account for that when we plan the work. Whether it is a single-family home or a multi-unit property, we bring the same qualified technicians and the same standards to every job.
For routine maintenance and scheduled replacements, booking a few days ahead is usually enough. For urgent repairs, we offer same-day availability in many cases. During peak cooling and heating seasons, demand picks up, so calling early in the day gives you the best chance of a same-day visit. We do our best to work around your schedule.
In most cases, yes. A technician needs access to the equipment, and for repairs and installations, someone should be present to review the findings and authorize work before it begins. If your schedule is tight, call us and we can talk through how to handle access. We keep booking flexible to work around your hours when we can.
System size and the scope of the job both factor into pricing. A larger system or a more complex installation will take more time and materials than a straightforward repair on a smaller unit. We give you a clear estimate before any work begins so you know what to expect. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees applies to every job, regardless of size.
The service call includes a diagnostic inspection of the system and a clear explanation of what we found and what the repair involves. Any additional parts or labor required to complete the repair are quoted before we proceed. We do not add charges after the fact without your approval first.
Yes. We operate every day from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM, which gives us flexibility to schedule visits early in the morning or later in the evening when that works better for you. For commercial clients, we can coordinate timing to minimize disruption to tenants or customers. Call us and we will find a time that fits.
If your system is more than 15 years old and has needed multiple repairs in recent seasons, a replacement conversation is worth having. A system that is struggling to maintain temperature, running constantly, or producing noticeably higher energy bills is often working harder than it should. We give you an honest assessment of the system's condition and what the options look like, without pressure.
CLAP Plumbing Heating & Cooling handles the full range of residential and commercial HVAC work in Los Altos and across Santa Clara County. From AC repair and furnace service to heat pump installation, ductless mini-splits, indoor air quality upgrades, and emergency calls, we have the technicians and the experience to get the job done right. Same-day availability and transparent pricing with no hidden fees on any HVAC job are part of every service we offer.
Good workmanship. Good pricing. Good technicians.
Call (650) 955-4592 to schedule service or request an estimate.
We handle the full range of residential and commercial heating and cooling work in Los Altos and across Santa Clara County. Whether you need a same-day repair, a seasonal tune-up, or a full system replacement, our qualified technicians show up on time with the tools to get the job done right. Every service comes with a clear estimate before work begins and transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Browse the table below to find the service that fits your situation, then call us for a quote.
| Service | What It Covers | When You Need It | Helpful Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermostat & Smart-Control Installation | programmable thermostat installation, Wi-Fi smart thermostat setup, zoning control installation, thermostat diagnostics and replacement | anyone who wants better control over comfort and energy use without a full system change | A smart thermostat upgrade is one of the fastest ways to improve system efficiency and comfort. |
| Heat Pump Electrification | heat pump installation replacing gas furnace and AC, residential and commercial heat pump replacement, system performance guidance for the Bay Area climate, qualified technician installation throughout | Los Altos homeowners and landlords moving away from gas heating or replacing aging dual systems | With mild winters in the area, heat pumps are a strong fit and handle both heating and cooling efficiently from a single system. |
| Emergency HVAC Service | same-day no-heat and no-cool response, weekend and urgent call availability, rapid diagnostics on arrival, first-visit repair when parts allow | any situation where the system has stopped working and waiting is not an option | We take emergency calls seriously and dispatch technicians prepared to diagnose and repair on the first visit. |
| Heat Pump Repair & Service | heating and cooling mode diagnostics, refrigerant and coil service, defrost cycle checks, seasonal tune-ups | homes with a heat pump that is not heating, not cooling, or cycling too often | Because heat pumps handle both seasons, a problem affects year-round comfort, so prompt service matters. |
| AC Repair & Service | refrigerant diagnosis, evaporator and condenser coil service, compressor and capacitor checks, same-day repair availability | homeowners or businesses with an AC that is not cooling or is short-cycling | Most AC repairs can be diagnosed and completed in a single visit when parts are on hand. |
| Heating & Furnace Repair | gas furnace diagnostics, emergency no-heat response, igniter and heat exchanger inspection, furnace tune-up and maintenance | any home or building that has lost heat or is heating unevenly | Same-day furnace repair is available for urgent no-heat situations throughout the area. |
| Seasonal Maintenance & Tune-Ups | refrigerant level check, coil cleaning, filter replacement, controls and safety testing | any homeowner or property manager who wants to extend equipment life and avoid emergency calls | Annual maintenance helps keep manufacturer warranties intact and catches small problems early. |
| First-Time AC & Ductless Cooling Installation | ductless mini-split sizing and installation, central AC installation for ducted homes, zoned cooling setup, code-compliant installation throughout | Los Altos homes built without central air conditioning or existing ductwork | Mini-split systems deliver efficient zoned cooling and heating with no duct runs required, making them the practical choice for older Bay Area homes. |
| Ductwork Repair & Sealing | duct leak inspection, duct sealing and repair, full duct replacement, airflow balancing | homes with uneven temperatures, high utility bills, or visible duct damage | Leaking ducts can waste a significant portion of conditioned air before it ever reaches the living space. |
| Wildfire-Smoke Air Filtration (MERV-13+) | MERV-13 and higher filter upgrades, whole-home air scrubber installation, UV air purifier installation, system compatibility assessment | households that want cleaner indoor air during wildfire smoke events and year-round | Standard HVAC filters are not rated to capture the fine particulates in wildfire smoke; a MERV-13 or higher upgrade addresses that gap. |
| Indoor Air Quality & Air Filtration | whole-home air purifier installation, air scrubber and UV purifier installation, advanced filter upgrades, whole-home humidifier installation | households concerned about allergens, dust, wildfire smoke, or dry indoor air | Improved filtration is especially relevant during wildfire smoke season across the Bay Area. |
| Full System Installation & Replacement | central AC installation, furnace and heat pump replacement, complete HVAC system sizing and install, code-compliant work on every job | homeowners or property managers whose existing system is aging, failing, or beyond repair | Most full system replacements are completed in a single day by our qualified HVAC technicians. |
How do I know if my HVAC system needs repair or full replacement?
Age and repair history are the two biggest factors. If the system is more than 15 years old and has needed multiple repairs in recent seasons, replacement is often the more cost-effective path. A system that struggles to maintain temperature, runs constantly, or is producing noticeably higher energy bills is working harder than it should. We give you an honest assessment of the system's condition and walk you through what the options look like before any decision is made.
What are the signs of a refrigerant or airflow problem?
Warm air coming out when the AC is running, ice forming on the evaporator coil, a system that runs but never quite cools the space, and unusually high energy bills are all common signs. Weak or uneven airflow from the vents can point to a duct problem, a dirty coil, or a failing blower. These issues do not improve on their own, so calling sooner rather than later usually limits the damage.
How often should I schedule HVAC maintenance?
Once a year is the standard recommendation for most systems. A spring tune-up before cooling season and a fall tune-up before heating season is ideal if the system handles both. Annual maintenance catches small problems before they become expensive repairs, keeps the equipment running efficiently, and helps maintain manufacturer warranty coverage. It is the simplest thing you can do to extend the life of your equipment.
Transparent Upfront Pricing
Before any repair or installation begins, we give you a clear estimate so you know exactly what the work costs and why. There are no hidden fees and no surprise charges added after the fact.
What does a seasonal tune-up actually include?
We check refrigerant levels, clean the evaporator and condenser coils, inspect and replace filters, test all controls and safety switches, check electrical connections on the equipment, and verify that the system is operating within its rated specifications. We also note anything that looks like it could become a problem before the heavy-use season begins and walk you through what we found.
Why is one room in my home hotter or colder than the rest?
Uneven temperatures usually point to a duct problem, a zoning issue, or equipment that is not properly sized for the space. Leaking or disconnected ducts can redirect conditioned air before it reaches certain rooms. A thermostat in the wrong location can also cause the system to cycle off before the whole home reaches the set temperature. We diagnose the root cause rather than guessing, so the fix actually addresses the problem.
What can strange noises from my HVAC unit mean?
Banging or clanking often points to a loose or broken component inside the unit. Grinding can indicate a failing motor bearing. Squealing sometimes means a belt or blower issue. A clicking sound that continues after startup can point to a control or relay problem. Any noise that is new or getting worse is worth a call, since running a system with a mechanical problem usually leads to more extensive damage over time.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
When the heat goes out or the AC fails, we respond quickly. Same-day service is available for urgent situations throughout Los Altos and Santa Clara County.
How does a dirty filter or coil affect system performance?
A clogged filter restricts airflow, which forces the blower to work harder and reduces the amount of conditioned air reaching the living space. Over time, restricted airflow causes the evaporator coil to ice over, which shuts down cooling entirely. A dirty coil cannot transfer heat efficiently, so the system runs longer cycles and uses more energy to reach the same result. Keeping filters clean and scheduling annual coil cleaning are two of the most effective ways to protect the equipment.
What is involved in a thermostat or smart-control upgrade?
We remove the existing thermostat, verify that the wiring at the wall is compatible with the new unit, and install and configure the replacement. For Wi-Fi smart thermostats, we connect the device to the home network and walk you through the basic settings. Zoning controls involve additional hardware and a bit more setup time, but the process is straightforward. In most cases, a thermostat swap is completed in under an hour.
Code-Compliant Work on Every Job
Every installation and repair we perform meets current code requirements. Our qualified HVAC technicians handle the work correctly the first time, with no shortcuts.
Do I need to be home when the technician arrives?
For repairs and installations, yes. Someone needs to be present to provide access to the equipment and to review what we find before any work begins. We do not start repairs without your approval. If your schedule is tight, call us and we can talk through how to handle access. We keep scheduling flexible and operate from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily to work around your hours when we can.
What causes a system to short-cycle?
Short-cycling, where the system starts and stops more frequently than it should, is often caused by an oversized unit, a refrigerant problem, a dirty filter, or a failing thermostat. An oversized AC cools the space too quickly, shuts off before completing a full cycle, and then restarts shortly after. This puts extra wear on the compressor and reduces the system's ability to control humidity. We diagnose the specific cause before recommending a fix.
Is same-day or emergency service available for a system that has completely stopped working?
Yes. We offer same-day availability for no-heat and no-cool situations throughout Los Altos and the surrounding area. Our technicians arrive prepared to diagnose and, in most cases, repair on the first visit. Calling early in the day gives you the best chance of a same-day appointment, especially during peak heating and cooling seasons. We take these calls seriously and respond as quickly as we can.
Every home and building is a little different, so call us at (650) 955-4592 and we will give you honest, straightforward advice based on your specific system and situation.